Types of Muscle Contractions

Understanding the Types of Muscle Contraction

Posted on 4/23/2010 3:25:03 PM

It is essential to understand the types of muscle contraction in order to derive the maximum benefits from them. There are four types of contractions- isotonic, isometric, eccentric, isokinetic contractions. They all differ from one another. While in some the muscle lengthens in other the muscle shortens depending upon the tension provided. These are effective in body building, treating arthritis

The exercises which you perform have their own benefits like keeping you fit and healthy, preventing various diseases like diabetes, kidney ailments, obesity and many more such diseases. But what is common amongst all such exercises is that they all require particular types of muscle contractions. Basically there are four types of muscle contractions. These include the following-

Isotonic Contraction

In this type of contraction, movement takes place and this occurs when you use your muscles to push or pull an object. Basically all types of lifting exercises require such type of contraction and hence it assumes importance. This occurs when on contraction the muscle shortens. The isotonic contractions are said to be the most common type of contractions. Some of the common examples may include- sit ups, throwing a ball, when you lift the objects above the head. This contraction is also vivid when you flex the bicep muscle.

Eccentric Contraction

This is said to be just the opposite of isotonic contraction. In this the muscle will lengthen down once its gains tensions. They are less common and also not very fruitful from the point of view of exercises. In the eccentric contraction, the muscles that have lengthened will be serving as agonists and hence are likely to perform all the work.

Isokinetic Contraction

In this type of contraction the muscles shortens down once the tension increases. But the essential thing to be considered is that it would require special types of equipments for exercising properly. But this type of contraction requires a constant speed when the motion is happening. The best example of such type of contraction is evident during swimming when the arm strokes moves in equal and constant speed.

Isometric Contraction

Here the length of the muscle remains the same, there is no tension in this contraction and thereby no movement of the muscles, it is for the same reason that it is also called as the static contraction. The body builders basically make use of this type of contraction. In order to create an isometric contraction you need to create the biceps curl against the immovable objects.

This type of contraction is recommended in case of inflammatory joint and when it has been rendered immovable. This contraction is suggested by the rehabilitation experts in such a case.

It needs to be understood that both Isometric as well as Isotonic movement is primarily beneficial for those who are suffering from arthritis.